How easily do college courses transfer between schools?

I'm thinking of switching universities and want to know how smoothly college courses usually transfer. Are there specific requirements I should look out for to make sure they count towards my new degree?

Transferring courses between universities inevitably involves certain considerations; not all credits transfer smoothly. Universities typically handle transfer credits on a case-by-case basis and they evaluate each course individually.

The ease of transfer largely depends on the type of courses and universities involved. General education classes, also known as core requirements or distribution requirements, commonly transfer without issue. But for major-specific or upper-level courses, it can be trickier. The new institution's department or program may want to ensure that the course content aligns closely with what they offer, and they may require syllabi or course descriptions from your previous institution to make this determination.

Also, accredited institutions are more likely to accept credits from other accredited institutions. Accreditation essentially ensures that the university meets certain standards of quality and rigor. Therefore, it's crucial to attend an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, look out for articulation agreements. These are official contracts outlining course equivalencies between two institutions. If your current and new schools have such an agreement, things will be much smoother.

Lastly, it's important to note that having a passing grade in a course doesn't necessarily guarantee that it will transfer. Some universities require a certain minimum grade, often a C or higher, for the credit transfer to be accepted.

The best course of action is to confer with your prospective school's registrar or admissions office about their transfer credit policy. They'll be the authoritative source on what will transfer, how it will count towards your degree, and what you need to provide to seek equivalency. For example, some schools may require a detailed syllabus of the courses you're trying to transfer. Remember, always keep documentation of your coursework just in case.